Arrests Made for Neglect of Elderly Man and Numerous Dogs

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate numerous incidents of animal neglect, discovered when authorities were called to check on the welfare of an elderly man in Waucoma.

Authorities received a report last Tuesday (Sept. 18) that an elderly man was living in a home in Waucoma, without food, running water or electricity, and that several dogs were kept at the residence, also without food or water.

Responding deputies took the 77-year-old man to the West Union hospital for treatment. Five dogs were also rescued, taken to the Heart Rescue Service in Decorah.

Tammy Mincks. Photo from Fayette Co. Sheriff

As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Tammy Mincks of Calmar was arrested for Dependent Adult Abuse, Intentional Serious Injury.

Rosetta Guess. Photo from Fayette Co. Sheriff

From evidence found at the scene, 67-year-old Rosetta Guess of Calmar was taken into custody Thursday on a pair of Fayette County warrants, for Animal Neglect-Death or Serious Injury, and Abandonment of Cats and Dogs.

The sheriff also received a report of animal neglect at an abandoned residence, just south of St. Lucas. Multiple dogs were found, with no food or water, for an unknown amount of time. The investigation determined that the dogs were owned by Tammy Mincks, who was then charged with Animal Neglect-Death or Serious Injury, and Abandonment of Cats and Dogs. Three more dogs were rescued and taken to the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa.

If convicted, Mincks could face up to 11 years in prison.

Authorities are asking for any information on the incidents; the investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be filed.